Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has formally requested the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expedite federal disaster assistance for the Commonwealth's farmers, who are grappling with catastrophic crop losses due to recent spring frost and freeze events. The unseasonable cold followed an early warm spell, which had prompted premature development in various crops, leaving them vulnerable.
Widespread freezing temperatures, including multiple nights in the 20s during March and April, severely impacted fruits, vines, ornamental trees, and small grain crops. Reports from Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) indicate losses well above the 30 percent disaster trigger, with some growers anticipating a complete loss of their harvest. Preliminary VCE estimates for direct losses range from $32.4 million to $105.3 million, with total losses expected to be significantly higher once future income and ripple effects are considered.
Governor Spanberger emphasized the urgent need for support, saying, “As a result of the unseasonable cold impacting farms across Virginia, Virginia farmers are facing catastrophic crop losses through no fault of their own and are in desperate need of a federal disaster declaration to receive immediate assistance.” She called on USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to issue a Secretarial Disaster Designation to ensure farmers receive necessary aid to recover and maintain operations.
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier noted the severity, stating, “I have personally heard from farmers who said this is the worst freeze event of their lifetime. For many impacted farmers, they will lose an entire crop and a year of income.” The Spanberger Administration has engaged directly with farmers and agricultural associations to document damages and share resources.
Major crop losses include apples, grapes, peaches, berries, and cherries, alongside damages to small grains, nursery, and forestry operations. These losses will not only affect growers but also have secondary impacts on processors, packers, retailers, and agritourism, underscoring the critical role of agriculture as Virginia’s largest private industry.